Top products from r/backpacks

Suggestions below are at the $100 price point (+/-$20).

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I own all bags below.

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If you are very hard on bags and looking for an all-in-one solution for school/work/hiking/camping/etc.

• Mountainsmith "Grand Tour" - https://mountainsmith.com/grand-tour-backpack.html
  
  • Pros: Lifetime warranty, great materials, hydration bladder pocket *AND* a dedicated 15" laptop pocket (holds 15" MacBook Pro with neoprene sleeve snugly), 2x bottle pockets that support 32oz EcoVessel water bottle snugly & securely, solid padding for your back, simple design, straps that can condense the side of bag, waist strap, fleece-padded eyeglass/sunglass pocket at top of back for convenience,
    
  • Cons: Not a lot of organization pockets, large footprint when bag is completely full, does not support 17" laptops well, waist strap is not removable
    
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    If you are looking for a solid commuter/overnight/road-warrior bag for school/work/etc. then I'm a huge fan of these two similar bags:
    
    
• Ogio "Renegade 15 RSS" - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AZU4G00/
  
• Kenneth Cole "Pack of all Trades" - https://www.ebags.com/product/kenneth-cole-reaction-business-and-luggage/pack-of-all-trades/282386?productid=10330633
  
  • (Applies to both) Pros: Good overall size with 15" laptop support (may be able to fit a 17" if it's slim), material quality is pretty good and both use fairly high quality nylon, solid zippers, lots of organization pockets in all compartments (Pack of All Trades is superior of 2), dedicated tablet sleeve inside middle pocket, dedicated pocket to hold a water bottle (with elastic cable to secure), dedicated power supply pockets that will fit a full size (i.e. 90w Lenovo, Apple MBP, or 90w Dell, etc.) power supply and the "Pack of All Trades" bag is capable of carrying 2 full size 15" laptops in the laptop pocket if you have to, fleece-padded eyeglass/sunglass pocket at top of back for convenience, "Pack of all Trades" has an external dedicated through "pocket" on the back-padding to easily attach to roller-bag with extendable handle, both bags have good back padding which have an air-flow design to reduce back sweat
    
  • (Applies to both) Cons: Overall stitching quality could be better/stronger thread along top of bag where back straps meet the bag and also on the straps are sewn together where the removable chest strap attaches, footprint of bags even when relatively empty is large with no way to condense (no straps that condense bag when not full), when set on the ground the bags are generally front heavy even when holding a laptop and like to tip, no hydration pocket

Hi there, I'm short just like you ;) Totally get you, cause I also prefer the simple looking backpack, stylish but still practical! High five!
I got my campus backpack from Ricky-H, I love the side pocket, it got two layers, one with zipper which I love to put my keys, chargers,IDs inside for easy access and safe storage. There's also open side pocket, which is great for water bottle and umbrella. As to the main compartment, it's so roomy that I can put several big textbooks, A4 binders and notebooks, and my 13" MacAir in its laptop pocket.

That bag does not have a 'tactical' look. So if you're looking for one with TAC capabilities, but pedestrian looks, I have no idea other than the 5.11 Tactical COVRT 18 Backpack. It is a badass pack, very low key, and only about $100.

It would help to edit into your posts what your needs/requirements are. It's impossible to know what you're looking for with the info. you provided. There are definitely some low key tactical options, but the good quality ones are going to be at least in the $100 range.

I don't really care about the TAC look. It's fine with me. I'm a frickin' bag freak. When I was on tour I can't tell you how many bags I bought.

I was always in search of the perfect configuration. I finally found it with the LA Police Gear Operator Backpack.

I recomend this pack so much, here and in EDC, that I'm pretty sure people are convinced I work for them.

It's probably wayyy too tactical looking for you, but if it isn't, it's an awesome bag for the price, (around $50). The thing is built like a fucking tank.

The Operator pack is the same size as the Vertex. (Way more useful pocket configuration.)

The Covert is just a tad smaller than the Vertex. Couple of inches. But Way more low key than the Operator.

Anyway, add some more info. to your post, and people can help you more.

I'd also make a post in /r/EDC. Lots of helpful people over there. They live and breath this kinda thing.

I will preface that my taste is super functional with some solid simple design.
Some really great functional, light breathable backpacks are the companies that specialize in hiking daypacks - Osprey, Gregory, Kelty, etc. Pockets and access where you need them. I have found that a lot of the more stylish bags will not be as comfortable and less breathable. It depends on what you want to do, what you like, and how much you want to carry. I am guessing you just want a daypack, which will be ~20-30L. If you want something really stylish and do not plan on hiking, then there are other people besides me who can help with that. If you plan on walking a lot with a backpack on, my personal recommendations are:

• Gregory Miwok 18 or 24L
  
• [Newer Gregory Miwok model] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015SBKAMI/ref=twister_B01788SQCA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Osprey Talon 22
  
• LL Bean Green Mountain daypack - a bit heavier, but I have used it for hiking. Not as comfortable as Osprey or Gregory packs, but it has been solid and I think it looks nicer. The colors come out a bit darker and richer than the pictures. Got the green one and looks great.
  
• Kelty Redwing 32 - a little bit bigger, but the straps on the side help to make it smaller when you are not using the whole bag.
  

Check out the solo max then. I've heard from others that it's pretty good quality. 5 year warranty. 35L in size, a bunch of pockets. Shoe compartment. You can replace the zipper pulls later with your own black paracord. I was thinking of getting it, but it's too expensive in the UK. It nearly triples in price here.

https://www.amazon.com/Solo-Everyday-Max-Hybrid-Backpack/dp/B01AC3ZXJW

Laptop compartment can carry tarp/blankets instead. If you fold nicely and fit it in there, it'll even add more back padding and make it more comfortable. Google some reviews on it too. Generally the reviews seem very positive.

In my opinion, to fit 15.6'' laptop, thick binders, textbooks is a must, but looking awesome with it still Essential ;) I found this Ricky-H backpack on Amazon pretty nice, check it out! https://www.amazon.com/Ricky-H-Multi-Purpose-Backpack-Students-Laptop-Violet/dp/B07B1155MY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519376070&sr=8-1&keywords=ricky-h%2Bbackpack&th=1

Personally I’d recommend something like the Osprey Porter, only $40 over your budget, but comes with Ospreys ironclad lifetime warranty. (Literally no questions asked, could be 15 years old and they will replace it).

Osprey Packs Porter 46 Travel Backpack, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X194J4S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gmMRDbCJWTWA8

But more budget friendly option is something like an Amazon Basics.

AmazonBasics Carry On Travel Backpack - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J24H2K0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wmMRDbJKRVNXR

I’d strongly recommend shelling out the extra $40 for the Osprey tho

Initially, I wanted to get an Aer Fit Pack 2, but I don't really have the cash to spend that much on a backpack at the moment. What attracted me to it was that it looked nice and had compartments that I was looking for; one to place my laptop and notebooks, another to place my clothes, and a third for my shoes.

After spending several hours on Amazon searching for a cheaper alternative, I ended up ordering a Solo Elite Backpack which should (hopefully) arrive some time tomorow. I'll let you know what I think of it once it arrives, but in the meantime, maybe this short video will help you determine if it's something you'd want to consider.

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Other alternatives I was considering**

|Backpack|Price|Reason I didn't go for it|
|:---:|:---:|:---|
|Crosslandy College Backpack|$35.99|Didn't like how it looked. No exterior pocket for water bottle.|
|Solo Everyday Max Hybrid|$46.68|Yellow straps are ugly.|
|Targus Work & Play|$59.81|Yellow accents. Would have gone with this instead otherwise.|
|Targus Work & Play (Black & Gray)|$79.99|Costs more than the one with the yellow accents. At this price, I like the look of the Solo Elite more.|
|Solo Elite (Burgundy)|$60.00 (plus tax and shipping)|Prefer black and wanted to get it sooner rather than later.|

I am not American so i do not know how see through they have to be but this Jansport backpack seems like it could be good.

Jansport Mesh Backpack

Then there is Adidas which looks like it has a lot more support.

Adidas Mesh Backpack

Not sure if this is helpful but my brother uses this backpack (Mancro) and said good things about it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LY3QXGP?th=1&psc=1#

I also purchased a Timbuk2 for my cousin's graduation gift and she loved it! I personally used the Recon throughout my college years but prefer the old model vs the newer one that came out about 2 years ago (I think). The newer model felt as if everything was way too compressed with very little space vs the old model had a lot of space to fit a laptop, notebooks, and two textbooks, no problem.

Vertx Gamut Checkpoint

Vertx Ready Pack

Vertx EDC Gamut - No longer in production it seems but available on Amazon

5.11 Dart

DSPTCH Daypack

FWIW, I'm a huge fan of the 5.11 AMP 12. It's a 25L bag and you can replace the hexgrid on the front with something less tactical looking if you want. I keep an admin gear set on mine for more organization and less tactical. It seems like you prefer a more discrete bag but I figured I'd throw that one out there too.

Pacsafe has some pretty nice bags.
CS350
CS300

Hope this helps!

If you're looking for more organization to store cables and various small tech I'd recommend a grid it organizer like the one pictured here. They come in various sizes and I feel it's much easier to keep track of everything especially when packing/unpacking. If you're not a fan of the design maybe try a generic gear pouch like here.

Case logic 1, 2; [Herschel] (https://herschel.com/shop/mens/backpacks), and Jansport, are bags I see often around campus.

I have a Q and it’s been amazing. I carry similar items to yours and it’s been great.


Timbuk2 Q Laptop Backpack, OS, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSGKSR4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Vn8kDb3FJYX5R

I've heard decent things about these pouches from Condor, relatively inexpensive
https://www.amazon.ca/Condor-Outdoor-POUCH-Pouch-Black/dp/B00CAYBC88/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1541651606&sr=8-14&keywords=condor+mesh


Personally I got a cocoon Grid-it organizer panel about a month ago, https://www.amazon.ca/Cocoon-GRID-Organizer-Black-CPG7BK/dp/B00479FQCM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541651757&sr=8-1&keywords=grid-it
fits pretty well in my edc/school backpack. I keep my pencil case, headphones, calculator, the plug for my phone charger, a small calendar, and one or two other small things on the front occupying less than half the space. The back just has a zippered pocket where I keep some misc papers, a formula sheet and ruler in. It sits in my bag in front of my laptop, my notebook, and a thin text book, but behind my laptop charger, and few first aid things and my waterbottle. It really has made my backpack organization more efficient.

How many external compartments are you looking for?
Here are some I found that fit your description:

• Kelty - Redwing 32 - 32 liters at $100. If this is too small, they also have a 40 or 44 liter version, but it will cost most.
  
• Everest - Hiking Backpack - 48 liters at $30, maybe a bit too big.
  
• Fuel - Top Loader Backpack - 33 liters at $23
  
• Fuel - Multi-Pocket Cargo Backpack - Just like the one above, but has more external pockets. Be careful with this one though, reviews aren't the best. $25
  
• Under Armour - Storm Undeniable II Backpack - 35 liters at $46.98
  
• Oakley - Enduro - 30 liters at $75.66
  
• Osprey - Tempest - 30 liters for $116
  
  Edit: I think I found the keywords you should look up: "swimmer backpack". A lot of them of top-loading and have external compartments.
  
  Here are a few I found:
  
  
• MIER - Large Sport backpack - 40L at $35
  
• Speedo - Large Teemster Backpack - 35L at $69

Take a look at this one. I used it this past summer for my European vacation. Highly recommended for high quality and great workmanship.

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171MDL14/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_k1EADbPFZD309

I need a backpack that can hold a 17 inch laptop, 3 spirals, lunch, water bottle and an umbrella. I've looking on this sub a lot of people seem to have budgets of 100's of dollars. I'm not looking to spend more than 50$ dollar's preferably.

This backpack I found on amazon
is 17$ and has good reviews. Does anybody else have better suggestions?

Jansport Super Break is the brand name classic. Style is common the world over it will blend in anywhere and look good with anything, Jansport is THE brand for basic affordable backpacks BUT it does lack a bottle pocket.

Amazon Basics also has their own take on the bag, Pretty much the same bag with no branding and a bottle pocket.

Both are ~ 19-20 Liter. Ultra generic, good looking, and can blend in anywhere. They're almost too generic, throw some patches and buttons on it to make it pop and you can blend in anywhere.

I feel like I'm always recommending this pack, but it's exactly what I would've wished for as a student: eBags TLS Slim. Certainly water resistant, the only backpack I own that's professional enough to take to corporate meetings. Tons of reviews if you have any questions. I used it every day for work and recreation andI am not kidding when I say I see zero signs of wear. Here is an overview by the seller.

These two are good quality options, well designed quality laptop backpacks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DU0PEA8
https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Design-Everyday-Backpack-Charcoal/dp/B01M5JDXG7

Not a well known brand, probably Chinese but has solid reviews on Amazon and seems to have everything. Amazon US has the 30L sold out, but you can check on the UK website

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sterkmann-Expandable-Overnight-Waterproof-30L/dp/B07JQZ9KC5/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sterkmann&qid=1563533346&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Take your [pick] (https://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=amazon+basics+bacpack&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aamazon+basics+bacpack) if you're buying from Amazon.

[This] (https://www.amazon.de/AmazonBasics-ZH1508073-Rucksack-Schwarz/dp/B013TGEJEE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1502542051&sr=8-8&keywords=amazonbasics+backpack) one in particular is most like a 'traditional' college backpack IMO.

I can't speak to its quality yet, but I just copped the Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack, which will arrive next week for me. That one hit all of my boxes except shoe pocket, and it will fit under a plane seat.


You also might want to check out the Solo Elite, which is a bit larger and has a shoe pocket, but doesn't have much in terms of electronics organization.

The backpack I got a few months ago is this: https://www.amazon.com/Business-Backpack-Water-resistent-Eco-friendly-Mancro/dp/B01LY3QXGP/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1518273563&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=mancro&psc=1

I made a quick video on it if that is easier to check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe1QtUuv4Do

I like this one. On rotation now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D1R7SU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kY13Db6FFAPC1

Also, check out something like this organizer if you go with something that is just a single large compartment.

Yeah, looking at some of their product pictures they might be a bit bulky. What about the eBags Slim?

eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack for Travel, School & Business - Fits 17" Laptop - Anti-Theft - (Solid Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DU0PEA8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_s46SCbDDYS472

On YouTube, if you look up UrAvgConsumer his tech bag series has this bag loaded up with a ton of stuff so it might work.

I've been looking at the Timbuk2 Q backpack. It's all black and it's 50% off on Amazon right now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSGKSR4/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I16E1W3SVN8D59&colid=3LCIOA984SZSE

Here's what I found that looks similar:

Amazonbasics Classic Backpack

Rucksack Travel Backpack

Simple Emergency Survival Daypack

Hope this helps :)

>Vertx EDC Gamut - No longer in production it seems but available on Amazon

There's a gamut 2.0 out now...

Amazon has really cheap basic backpacks for under $20.

Snugpak Sleeka Force 35 (old version)

New version has slight changes.

Check out the Sterkmann backpack.....basically a mix of Nomatic and Arcteryx Blade. $100 US. 20L expandable to 30L:

https://www.amazon.com/Sterkmann-Expandable-Overnight-Waterproof-30L/dp/B07JQZ9KC5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=LJDCR3BBRJCC&dchild=1&keywords=sterkmann+backpack&qid=1573270732&sprefix=sterkm%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-4

The Ogio renegade backpack is what I use for university. Can carry laptop, notebooks, electrical components, and some clothes and not feel heavy. Sometimes on sale for ~80$

OGIO Renegade RSS Day Pack, Large, Black Pindot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZU4G00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Lug9ybASHTXXQ

Also just came across these which are similar and cheaper. If you search the r/onebag you can research them, especially the everyday.

https://www.amazon.com/Solo-Everyday-Max-Backpack-ACV732-4/dp/B01AC3ZXJW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495594538&sr=8-1&keywords=solo+backpack+velocity

https://www.amazon.com/Solo-Velocity-Laptop-Backpack-Duffel/dp/B01AC3ZXOC/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1495594465&sr=8-22&keywords=solo+backpack